Abstract

Vaccination rates in Canada tend to be lower among Indigenous peoples than the rest of the population. The COVID-19 pandemic provided an unprecedented opportunity to better understand Indigenous perceptions about vaccination. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine and other factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance as evidenced by public posts and comments on Facebook by Indigenous peoples in Quebec, Canada. We collected data on 95 Facebook pages or groups used by Indigenous peoples in Quebec between November 1, 2020, to June 15, 2021. To identify posts relating to COVID-19 vaccination, a keyword search ("vaccination," "vaccine," "shot," "does," "Moderna," "Pfizer") was carried out in English and French in the search bar of each Facebook page/group. Results show that First Nations peoples and Inuit in Quebec had important concerns about the usefulness, safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine. They also expressed fear of being used as test subjects for the rest of the population. Motivations mentioned by First Nations peoples and Inuit to get vaccinated against COVID-19 included to travel again and return to normal life with their loved ones, and the desire to protect the most vulnerable in their communities, especially Elders. Results show that Indigenous health care professionals were considered as reliable and trustful source of information regarding COVID-19, and that seeing role models being vaccinated build confidence and foster acceptance of the vaccine. Culturally adapted messages and vaccination campaigns by and for Indigenous peoples appear to be key to building trust toward COVID-19 vaccination.